No matter who gets it done on Saturday, the world of MMA will see a new Russian millionaire.
Atop Bellator Championship Series: Nurmagomedov vs. Shabliy in San Diego on Sept. 7, Usman Nurmagomedov (17-0, 1 NC) will put his lightweight strap on the line against Alexander Shabliy (24-3). The victor will not only claim the Bellator MMA 155-pound throne, but also a check for $1 million. On their way to glory, both Russians defeated former champ Patricky Freire, who weighed in on the matchup to Sherdog.
At Bellator 288 in November 2022, Freire surrendered his belt to Nurmagomedov prior to the commencement of the tourney. A year later, “Pitbull” collided with Shabliy at Bellator 301, and he lost on the scorecards once more. With the experience of facing both across 25-minute engagements, the ex-champ believes the fight will be a lengthy endeavor, while suggesting that sizeable betting underdog +325 Shabliy should be favored.
“I believe Usman will avoid the stand-up game,” Freire explained. “Shabliy has very good footwork and uses his long range with powerful jabs very well, and I believe it will be a problem to Usman.”
Although Nurmagomedov is known for his exceptional wrestling, Freire does not expect the current champion will be able impose his will through grappling.
“Shabliy also has a very good wrestling, so I don’t see him being taken down by Nurmagomedov. Even if Usman does, Shabliy will stand up fast and impose his better striking. I see him winning by decision in a five-round war,” the Brazilian analyzed.
One of Shabliy’s chief corners, coach “Parrumpa” Marcos DaMatta, also favors his pupil in the high-stakes matchup. DaMatta agrees with “Pitbull” that striking will be how the ATT representative claims the prize.
“Only a better [striker] without excellent takedown defense would favor Usman,” DaMatta suggested. “The point is that Shabliy is a better striker but also has [some] of the best defensive wrestling on the sport, and that was recognized even by Islam Makhachev, who said other day, ‘after me, Usman, Arman [Tsarukyan] and Shabliy are the best wrestlers of the division.”
Using another common foe, the beloved coach from American Top Team pointed to Nurmagomedov and Shabliy’s matches against Brent Primus as a potential bellwether.
“Shabliy knocked Primus out in the second round,” “Parrumpa” noted. “It was not even a close fight, while Usman had a tough time defeating Primus in a close five-round war. But of course, each fight is a different fight and anything can happen, but I truly believe Shabliy has more tools to win that [grand prix].”
